A Brief History
Origins of Tae Kwon-Do
Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea and has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years. The origins of taekwondo can be traced back to ancient Korean societies, where it was practiced as a form of self-defense and physical fitness.
During the Korean War (1950-1953), taekwondo was brought to the attention of the world by the South Korean military, which used it as a form of hand-to-hand combat training. This led to the spread of taekwondo throughout the country, and it quickly gained popularity as a sport and a means of self-defense.
In the 1960s and 1970s, taekwondo continued to grow in popularity and was officially recognized as a sport by the South Korean government. This led to the formation of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), which was responsible for promoting and developing the sport both domestically and internationally.
The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) was founded in 1966, with the goal of promoting taekwondo around the world. The ITF organized the first World Championships in 1973, and this event helped to further establish taekwondo as a sport on the international stage.
In the 1980s and 1990s, taekwondo continued to gain popularity and was included as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Finally, in 2000, taekwondo was officially recognized as an Olympic sport and was included in the program for the Sydney Olympics.
Today, taekwondo is practiced by millions of people around the world and is recognized as one of the most popular martial arts. It is not only a sport but also a form of self-defense, physical fitness, and mental and spiritual development.
Taekwondo is a martial art that has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years. It has come a long way from being a practice for self-defense and physical fitness to being an Olympic sport and widely practiced around the world. It’s an art that has been able to evolve with time and adapt to the needs of its practitioners.
